Lower Cholesterol Naturally With Red Yeast Rice

Among people who are prescribed statins by their doctors, as many as 40% stop taking them in less than a year. Cost may be one factor, however, side effects are usually the reason. Doctors usually dismiss the existence of side effects.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego investigated how doctors responded to complaints of side effects by their patients. Side effects normally reported included debilitating muscle weakness, pain, and memory loss. The findings might surprise you. Rather than reporting adverse events to the FDA, many doctors denied that the drugs could cause undesirable symptoms. They told their patients they were imagining pain, mistakenly attributing symptoms to aging, and refusing to believe or simply ignoring patients' complaints.

For centuries, red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to gently lower cholesterol. It is used to remedy indigestion, diarrhea, circulation and aid in spleen health. Studies in humans since the 1970's have shown that it can lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

UCLA conducted an eight-week study comparing red yeast rice with a placebo in 83 people with high cholesterol. The results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that it reduced total and LDL cholesterol significantly.

Also published in the American Journal of Cardiology and other scientific journals, based on research in China, showed that among 5,000 people with high cholesterol, it significantly reduced rates of heart attacks and heart disease related deaths.

It is recommended for lowering unhealthful cholesterol levels. It should not be taken with statin drugs. Some experts recommend avoiding grapefruit juice while taking this supplement. Because it has a statin-like effect, it may deplete the body of certain levels of CoQ10. It is recommended that patients take 100 to 200 mg of CoQ10 when taking red yeast rice, or use a formula that combines it with CoQ10. This supplement can be found at your local health food store or vitamin and supplement stores.

Side effects of prescriptions drugs have always been my concern. Since prescription drugs always seem to mean additional prescription drugs to counter side effects, I have researched alternatives and found that homeopathic remedies were not only safer, but very effective. If you're looking to better your health through natural cures, you can visit my website at Healthy Foods For All

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Rice Cakes - Are They Really Good For You?

Rice cakes became popular with the advent of the low fat diet. In fact, some people are fanatic about their rice cakes, snacking on them constantly because "they contain no fat, so they are healthy!" As a snack, however, they may not be the best choice.

Let's take a look at the label. An average rice cake has:

Calories: 35
Total fat: 0.3 gm
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 29
Carbohydrates: 7.3 gm
Fiber: 0.4 gm
Sugar: 0.1 gm
Protein: 0.7 gm

OK, so they are low in calories and have very little fat. But they also have very little fiber and very little protein. So what is left?

Carbohydrates

Now there is nothing wrong with carbohydrates in the proper setting. But here we have carbohydrates without any fat, very little fiber and very little protein.

Without protein, fat or fiber, carbohydrates are easily digested and converted to blood glucose very quickly. This is called the glycemic effect, and indeed, regular rice cakes are a type of grain that ranks high on the glycemic index. What the rice cake is, essentially, is a food that will give you a sugar jolt!

As a snack, this is a poor choice, not only for people trying to lose weight, but for people whose goal is to eat in a healthy manner. By constantly supplying a rush of blood sugar, insulin gets produced in excess. Blood sugar levels rise, then drop suddenly due to the excess insulin, and this can create more hunger pangs. So you want to eat another rice cake.

Granted, there are not a lot of calories, but really, wouldn't it be better to choose a snack with more nutritious ingredients? Even if it had more calories, something like a piece of fruit would provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. Because of the fiber, it would be digested slower and not spike the blood sugar as quickly, so it would be more satisfying.

Or, do I even dare say, eat a snack that contains protein and fat (the good type of fat) such as a handful of nuts?

Snacking is not bad. Some experts suggest that eating three small meals and two snacks daily is a good way of providing optimum nutrition, but only if we are choosing wisely. Eating is about feeding our bodies what they need to thrive. Choosing snacks that are nutritiously empty is a lost opportunity. An apple versus a rice cake is like a vitamin supplement versus a sugar pill.

Pamela Post is a Registered Nurse with a Masters Degree in Public Health. For the past 10 years her interest has leaned toward nutrition and health maintenance. Additional information on the glycemic index of grains [http://www.glycemicindexpower.com/glycemic-index-grains/] and other food types, can be found at [http://www.glycemicindexpower.com]

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Rice and Steaming Rice to Make a Healthy Food

Steaming Rice provides the easiest and stress-free means to cook raw rice. I think this is also to healthiest way to prepare rice. Healthy and healthier food preparation is paramount to our health. There are a number of places to find information concerning rice. This includes the variety of locations that grow rice in the USA along with information on a variety of topics related to rice. The USA Rice Federation is such a place.

One thing I liked about this site from the link above was they do not provide sensationalized data. The site is part of a 'Political Action Committee' making them bias. Even with the bias, intended or obvious, the information is both sound and accurate. Rice is very healthy to eat. Due to the immense competition from the grocery and food services industry, the rice federation provides advocacy through lobbying as a special interest group.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding Rice too. One place to find inaccurate information is your local grocery store. While the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires labels with nutritional data, they often boast and make claims that are not accurate. This happens all too often. One example is fiber, another is vitamin content, protein content and I am sure there are others Whole Grain foods receive publicity claiming to reduce weight, reduce cancer risks and other health problems with absolutely no proof. People purchase these items based on claims that sound more like "Magic" rather than common sense nutrition.

The most accurate and reliable nutritional information is free to view, print, and easy to access from the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA). I recognize this is part of the United States Government. However, our tax dollars pay for so much that most people are simply unaware of. Another link I obtained from the USA Rice Federation is an interesting and informative link to the USDA Nutrient Database. At this database, you can obtain nutritional information on anything available in the United States. The nutritional information includes amino acids, lipids, minerals and vitamins. I must admit that of my own skepticism. However, the more time I spent here, led to a greater reduction of this skepticism.

Fiber is vital to anyone's diet. It is necessary on a daily basis. What you may find from your diet will get-your-attention as to what composes fiber. Plant husks or shells or covers or whatever label in the structure of a plant is important to understand if you truly wish to learn the specifics of what Rice is nutritionally and what makes Brown Rice rich in fiber. Remember, Rice is the Seed of a Plant. If you not familiar with plants and their seeds, than rice is, a seed and grain that deserves more attention to accompany your knowledge for healthy eating for a healthy diet.

Steaming rice provides the means of preparing rice in a healthy manner. A quality steamer enables preparation that enables rice preparation in an easy and low stress way. Who would want a way to prepare and cook food that can be both healthy, easier and reduce stress? I want everyone who reads this article to know that was my first rhetorical question submitted in an article to this publication company. A quality steamer cooks rice, an important and healthy grain along with vegetables. There is a long 'way to go' for rice to be as important a grain as it is in much of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the West Indies.

Healthy Food Preparation Products is a passion of this author. Writing about healthier foods and healthy food preparation is a major part of this passion.

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Spanish Rice Soup Recipe

If you like rice and want to try something different with it, then this recipe it is recommended to you. It is the traditional rice flavor but with the touch that only soup gives to things. Also it is very effective when those cold days demand something nice and hot, and the best part is that you can have it at your taste when you want it because you will be making it at home.

You will need:

Turkey (1 pound)

Onion (1 chopped)

Garlic (1 clove, crushed)

Spanish-style rice mix (1 package or 6.8 ounce)

Tomatoes (Mexican style, 1 can or 14.5 ounce)

Tomato sauce (2 can or 8 ounce)

Water (4 ½ cup)

How to cook this dish:

Take a large saucepan, one that is deep and will hold soup in here you will place the brown turkey in it; add also the tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice and the water. Make sure it does not burn but have it hot so it starts boiling. Reduce the heat once it is boiling and then leave the mix to simmer for a few minutes, but do not let the water consume totally, you have to be careful to stir and keep a close watch at the quantity of water the soup is going to have. Remove from the fire once the rice has reached the consistence you like and then be ready to enjoy this hot dish that will help you when the cold whether comes to your house.

If you would like to get more information on Spanish Rice or similar recipes, please visit our site at Spanish Rice Recipes

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Selecting a Stainless Steel Rice Cooker

Anyone who has shopped around for a stainless steel rice cooker will tell you that there is a plethora of choices in size and shape. Rice cookers come with varying functions and features, capabilities and capacities. They vary in price too. Before deciding on which cooker to get, you should first assess how much counter space you have for it. You should also think about what you would like it to do and what kinds of rice you plan to cook most.

Rice is pressure cooked in a cooker. As it is pressure cooked, the unit is sealed so that no air or water can seep out. This way, the cooking temperature can be higher and will alter the starch of the rice. This makes fluffier and softer rice, which is easier to digest. It will usually stay softer longer than traditionally cooked rice.

Health reasons are the most common motivators for folks to buy rice cookers. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) brown rice is becoming very popular among those trying to improve their diets. GABA is an amino acid that is believed to offer numerous health benefits including improved function of the kidneys and a lowering of blood pressure. GABA is not a type of rice but rather a method of preparing it so that GABA is released. Soaking rice for 2 hours before cooking at 104 degrees will activate the GABA.

There are many things that rice cookers can do besides just cook plain rice. You can cook up other tasty dishes too. For example, healthy steel cut oats can be put in your cooker and turned into a yummy dish of oatmeal. Sushi rice and saffron dishes are also easy to make with the right cooker. Angel food and sesame cake batters can become a healthy dessert in certain cookers.

As already mentioned, there are many optional features to consider. One nice feature is a timer that can be set to begin cooking at a certain time. This is particularly handy for people who would like their rice ready when they get home from the office. Sizes can range from 3 to 10 cups. A smaller one is ideal for someone with limited counter space or who does not need to cook much right at a time.

Good cookers are not only easy and beneficial to health, they are also fun to use and can make meal preparation a more enjoyable task. Other neat features to look into are warming functions, reheating cycles, non stick interiors, stay cool handles, and retractable cords.

It may at first seem overwhelming to go through all the choices and make a selection. But simply going over your needs and comparing them to the specifics of particular models will help you make a wise purchase.

Hal Johnson has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website over at http://www.justue.com/ which helps people find the best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker and information they are looking for on cookers and steamers.

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Chicago Style Jerk Chicken and Rice

This is one of my all time favorite recipe combinations. It's good hot when you first set it out on the table. And, it's good at room temperature when you go back for seconds. It's good cold when you stick your head in the frig in the middle of the night. And, it can make a fine breakfast too. Just chop up some of the chicken and heat it up and add to your omelet and serve some of the rice on the side...or heat up the whole mess and roll it into you omelet. I think we should make a double batch.

ISLAND RICE INGREDIENTS

2 cups of chicken stock
1 cup brown rice
1 can coconut milk
1 small package frozen peas
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 small green pepper, diced
1 small red pepper, diced
Pinch of cayenne
Pinch of salt
4 green onions sliced

Cover rice with stock and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes It takes about 45 minutes for brown rice to cook which is 3 times as long as white rice but its worth the wait for the nutty taste

Add coconut milk, peas, red and black beans and stir Recover pot and let set for about 10 minutes. Add salt, cayenne and green onions just before serving

JERK CHICKEN MARINADE INGREDIENTS

2 green onions, minced
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 minced jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne juice of one lime
1 teaspoon fish sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3 pounds chicken legs if you like juicy, tasty chicken If you like dry chicken use boneless breasts

Mix up all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. The best way to marinate chicken is in a big ziplock bag. Add chicken pieces and marinade. Store the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 or up to 24 hours. Set oven to 325 degrees and cook slowly until it is brown and the juice runs clear when pierced. Usually about 45 minutes.

Good sides for this meal are fried cabbage, or kickin collards and cornbread.

Find more great recipes at my website http://www.chicagobluescookbook.com

Pam Holden has been a Chicago chef for more than thirty years. During this time, she has operated a restaurant, a blues club, a corporate catering business and a pizza delivery business. For more fun and cooking advice go to http://www.chicagobluescookbook.blogspot.com

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National Rice Cookers Review

When you search out and compare brand names, you have to be sure to not place National and Panasonic side by side, as I have, as you'll be sure to get confused on getting the same results. These brands are one and the same, only that National was the former name used by Panasonic. I was browsing over, on the look out for rice cooker purchase later on. With the brands hovering in my mind as those that are rather known for Japanese electronics, I was more particular with a great core system but in a simple home appliance.

It's good to know that National Rice Cookers are very much these, specifically being simple and being non fuzzy in requirement at all. You can pretty much see this through their available market selection. They have three categorized types for them: cooking, steaming and warming.

As you can find models for these selections, you'll find out that you can pretty much multi-task as it can allow multiple cooking menu, as rice and steamed vegetable in one cooking preparation. They are able to do rather well because of their rice cooker design.

Two-in-one is also what they generally term this kitchen appliance. This also refers to the warming of the plate under the pan that will work on the warming process of the rice, or whatever food stored in that device for about twelve hours.

As I have found out, these are generally the things that get people to keep this trusty brand. They are undeniably simple, while for those that are a little bit more complicated, they are easy to learn.

As they say less is more, you can find yourself paying for a little bit lesser in price but rather more in value - filling in your needs at a quality and performance of a trusted brand. In this case, however, we can safely say brands.

Find the best rice cooker for you at RiceCookersReview.net where you will find reviews and ratings on all the leading rice cooker brands and models including Electric rice cookers, Black and Decker, Breville, Zojirushi, Aroma, Krups, Panasonic, Sanyo and more.

Get your FREE 'Rice Cooker Buying Guide' full of tips and tricks on how to buy the best rice machine for your needs.

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Chinese Fried Rice - How to Make Fried Rice

Chinese fried rice is one of the most popular dishes ordered from Chinese takeout restaurants and a lot of people wonder how to get the great flavor and texture of this amazing dish. If you enjoy making fried recipes like a southern fried chicken recipe or chicken fried steak, you will enjoy making this tasty Chinese dish. Fried rice is so simple to make and it is the perfect accompaniment to any Chinese meat, fish, or chicken dish.

This recipe is a great way to combine leftovers. Using leftovers means there are infinite possibilities if you want to make something really flavorful and different countries have their own versions of this dish. Indonesian fried rice is different from the Thai style dish, for example.

Cooking Tips for This Delicious Dish

Use steamed or boiled white rice to make this dish. The key to a good dish is to use chilled rice. If you use it freshly cooked, it will not taste authentic or have a good texture. Chilling it overnight gets rid of excess moisture and makes the grains firm and therefore easier to separate. Cooking with fresh grains means you will get mushy results. If you do not have a whole day, make sure it can cool for a few hours somewhere cool before you use it.

The wok has to be very hot so the soy sauce gives flavor to the dish, rather than making it soggy. Also, a layer of oil in a hot wok will dance around and create a nonstick coating. If the wok is not sufficiently hot, the contents will stick to it.

You can use any leftovers you want in this recipe. What about some leftover bacon or ham from breakfast, some chopped chicken from yesterday's dinner or some leftover carrots? Do not use anything too wet or in a sauce, else the dish will go mushy. Garlic, ginger, and salt are good seasonings and you can also add some chili powder to spice the dish up.

The Recipe - Step by Step

This basic fried rice recipe can be modified, as you like. If you are going to add more ingredients to it, you should use three eggs instead of two. This recipe serves four to six people as a side dish. Feel free to add chili powder, ginger, garlic or anything else you fancy.

What you will need:

4 cups cold cooked rice
1 finely chopped green onion
4 tablespoons cooking oil
2 tablespoons oyster sauce or soy sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs

How to make it:

Beat the eggs with some salt and pepper. Heat half the oil in a wok, and then add the eggs. Cook them, stirring all the time, until they are scrambled but still wet. Take out the eggs and wipe out the pan with paper towels.

Add the rest of the oil and stir fry the rice for a few minutes. Use a wooden spoon or a pair of chopsticks to stir the grains and separate them. Stir in the oyster sauce or soy sauce, and then add the eggs back in the pan. Mix well and stir in the green onion. Adjust the seasonings and serve hot.

Fried chicken is another example of something you can make in your wok. A pan fried chicken recipe makes a change from deep fried chicken and the whole family will enjoy this mouthwatering treat.

SouthernFriedChickenRecipe.com When it has to be Real Fried Chicken

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Making Sushi Rice - This is What You Need to Get Started

Making that divine, chewy sushi rice and getting just the right sheen to it takes more than just a pot of boiling water. In order to make the perfect sushi rice you will need the right equipment. The following is a list of the equipment you will need.

Electric Rice Cooker

For an almost foolproof way to get your rice to cook perfectly you will need an electric rice cooker. A good one to buy that will provide plenty of rice for most sushi recipes is a standard 10 metric cup (or 6 US cups) cooker with a non stick inner pot. Expect to pay about $50 - $70 for a good one.

Wooden Sushi Rice Tub

A Hangiri or Japanese sushi tub is simply a shallow wooden utensil that resembles a short barrel. Ity is used to cool down the rice after cooking and it also absorb the excess water that the rice is laden with immediately after cooking. The best sized one to use with the above mentioned rice cooker has a 16 inch diameter with 4 inch high sides. Perfect for about 10 - 12 cups of rice.

Rice Paddle

Used to help dish out the rice help you place it in the tub. Called a Shamoji, it is a flat thin wooden paddle. It separates the rice from the side of the cooker and helps chop it up for cooling without bruising the rice kernels.

Flat Fan (Uchiwa)

This is a stiff, flat (but not folding) lightweight fan. Used to help cool down the rice after it is placed in the tub. You can use other ways to cool down the rice but this is the more traditional way to do it.

Lint Free Towel

You need a dampened, lint free towel to cover the cooled down rice while you are making the different sushi pieces. This keeps the rice perfectly moist and fresh for use as you progress through your sushi recipes.

While you need more than just the right tools to make sushi rice, if you have these rice making tools in your arsenal you are well on your way to making the perfect sushi rice.

Steve has been in the construction business for over 25 years and is starting to share his expertise by writing articles and creating websites. You can see his website on Orlando Signs by clicking on the link Orlando Signs.

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Black and Decker Rice Cookers Review

Black and Decker's products and services are marketed in more than 100 countries, and has manufacturing operations in eleven countries. Throughout their businesses, they have established a reputation for product innovation, quality, end-user focus, design, and value. Their strong brand names and new product development capabilities enjoy worldwide recognition, and their global distribution is unsurpassed in their industries.

Black and Decker's objective is to establish itself as the preeminent global manufacturer and marketer of power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology based fastening systems.

The Black & Decker Rice Cooker came with a heavy-duty tempered glass cover with a steam vent built right in. The removable cooking bowl has a non-stick coating which allows for easy clean-up. It is also marked along the sides indicating the water level for the various measurements of rice. The main part of the rice cooker is made of metal.

It has a 75-minute timer with automatic shut-off. It has a plastic lid and parts are generally easy to clean. It cooks rice and steams meat, seafood, and vegetables.

Operating the Black & Decker Rice machine is really easy. A measuring scoop comes with the rice maker. With the directions is a Cooking Guide which tells how many scoops to use and what line to fill the water up to for how many servings of rice desired.

This rice maker includes Drip Tray with Flavor Scenter screen for flavoring steamed food with herbs and spices. It also has a 2 1/2 quart Steaming Bowl. Its rice bowl holds 4 cups cooked rice.

The Black & Decker Rice Cooker is covered by a one year limited warranty. Black and Decker rice cooker is a handy appliance for anyone who cooks rice and/or steams food often. It is particularly useful for college students, apartment dwellers or anyone who is short of space in the kitchen or doesn't have a proper stove.

This cooker can simplify meal-making. It is very much worthwhile that everyone can give their thumbs-up on this appliance.

For heaps more rice cooker reviews check out RiceCookersReview.net where you will find reviews and ratings on all the leading rice maker brands and models including Zojirushi rice cookers, Black and Decker, Breville, Tiger, Aroma, Krups, Panasonic, Sanyo and more.

Get your FREE 'Rice Cooker Buying Guide' full of tips and tricks on how to buy the best rice machine for your needs.

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5 Minute Tuna Curry With Leftover Rice

Do you sometimes get unexpected guests for dinner and need to cook something in a hurry? Or maybe you have been working late and are avoiding the dreaded unhealthy take-away but want something in 5 minutes. This is a very quick meal I prepared in less than 5 minutes with some leftover rice and a small tin of tuna. I had been at the gym after a long working week, there was only leftover rice in the fridge, and my spouse was on a service call-out so could not taking me shopping as yet. And I tell you, after 3 hours working out at the gym, I wanted to eat and wanted it fast! It certainly filled that hole.

I use ready-made curry powder rather than make my own. Being a bit of a health nut, I am a label-reader, and you would never believe the things they try to put in curry powder! Read the label, ladies and gentlemen. I have seen MSG and all sorts of nasties in the most innocent-looking curry powder. The brand I use only uses a bit of flour as a naughty ingredient, and that is luckily OK with me and those I cook for.

Ingredients

Leftover rice
Butter for frying (it tastes divine fried in butter - make sure it is normal butter and not full of hidden nasties - they spoil the taste, spoil the cooking, and are too much processing for a natural product anyway)
Garlic (2 cloves per person)
Fresh ginger if you have it (about 8 medium slivers per person - can substitute with dried ginger)
Tuna (1 small tin per person)
Curry powder (enough to sprinkle generously on top of the cooking food)
Tiny bit of sea salt (optional)

Take the leftover rice out of the fridge. If you wish to heat it, add a bit of water, stir and put on low heat while you prepare the tuna mixture.

Melt the butter in a pan while you quickly chop up the garlic into slivers. Make sure throughout that the butter does not get too hot or brown. Add the garlic and stir. Quickly cut the ginger, add the the mixture while you continue stirring. Stop stirring only long enough to open the tin of tuna. This is where I stop only just about long enough to drain the tin, wash the salt out with water, drain again, and give the cat a little tuna - about 15 seconds - but if you do not have a cat, you can skip this step. Keep stirring, as you add the tuna then quickly sprinkle curry powder on top (and a bit of sea salt if you had washed the tuna salt out). Add just about enough water to give it a thinner consistency. When the water starts to simmer, you are done - all in under 5 minutes! It is hot in temperature, so you can easily serve on the leftover rice and still have a warm meal to enjoy. If there is not enough rice, just serve with a side serving of a quick salad, cold meats, nuts or fruits.

© Suzanne Zacharia 2010. My name is Suzanne Zacharia and I am committed to spreading the word about health options. A virus caught at university at the end of 1986, plus medical negligence, meant that I got smokers lung at a relatively young age. In desperation for help with my symptoms and quality of life, I turned to complementary therapy and am now a complementary therapist, author and trainer, helping others achieve health and happiness. Want to use this article? You can, as long as you credit me with it and invite your readers to get my FREE book "7 Real Truths of Energy Psychology" at http://www.newagetherapies.com or my free course "5 Days To Change Your Life" at http://www.NewAgeInternationalTraining.com.

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Chinese Fried Rice Recipe For a Healthier Diet

A good way to serve vegetables to your family is this Chinese fried rice recipe. Fruits and vegetables contain the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed to prevent many chronic diseases. The Chinese fried rice recipe shown below uses a variety of vegetables. Try this for anyone who would not eat their veggies any other way.

Chinese Fried Rice Recipe:

What will you need:

1 16-oz. package of mixed frozen vegetables or a package of frozen peas and carrots
1 cup of frozen onions and peppers stir-fry vegetables
1 8.8oz package of brown rice cooked
4 tsp of olive oil or canola oil divided
2 - 3 eggs
4 tbsp stir-fry sauce. Store bought is fine, preferably one with low sodium
Lime wedges
Crushed red peppers (if desired)

Method:

Heat 2 tbsp of olive or canola oil in a wok or a large non-stick skillet on medium heat. Whisk the eggs and add to the oil. Make the scramble eggs by stirring occasionally until set. Remove from the pan and set aside. Increase the heat to medium high and add the remaining 2 tbsp of the oil to the pan. Stir fry all the frozen vegetables and cook for about five minutes or until tender. Remember to never over cook the vegetables in order to prevent nutrient loss.

Add the stir fry sauce and if you wish the crushed peppers also. Add the cooked brown rice and the scrambles eggs. Heat through. Lastly squeeze the lime juice to give this Chinese fried rice recipe an extra flavor. This recipe is good if you have left over rice and chicken. Or you can add tofu and omit the eggs and make this a vegetarian Chinese fried rice recipe. You can add pre-cooked shrimps to this and make it a seafood Chinese fried rice recipe. Note: Brown rice was used but white rice will work just fine.

Experiment using brown rice instead of white rice in other recipes and see if your family will like it.

Always have packages of frozen vegetables and stir-fry in your freezer. These can be used to make many other stir-fry healthy dinners besides this Chinese fried rice recipe.

Tips for healthy eating - Variety Balance and Moderation

- Serve whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Look for recipes that incorporate these healthy ingredients.

- Balance your diet overtime. If you miss out on a food group one day, make up for it the next day.

- Keep your portion sizes reasonable. The Food Guide Pyramid is good source for information on recommended serving sizes.

- Make gradual changes to your diet.

Remember to exercise and eat a low sodium healthy and balance diet everyday to prevent diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, stoke and diabetes. Also beware of the increased sodium in children's diet these days. It is very important for parent to make sure that their children lower their daily sodium intake.
To learn about sources of sodium in your child's diet visit http://www.squidoo.com/sodiumintake

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Condoleeza Rice and the Chamber Music Effect

Last month I read a news item in the New York Times, describing the devotion that Condoleeza Rice, our current Secretary of State who has been on a mission to promote the Iraqui war, has to playing the piano with a weekly chamber music group. Being a violist myself, and a regular in my own amateur chamber music circuit, I was, quite frankly, surprised. I know that is a strong word, but the story almost came across as an oxymoron--Condoleeza Rice and chamber music in the same sentence?

For me, playing chamber music is pretty close to sacred--or at least special in an intimate and spiritual and listening and cooperating sort of way. Actually, in my smugger and more idealistic moments, I have even believed that playing chamber music holds the key to future peace in the world. Yes. Seriously...

Which brings me back to Condoleeza Rice. I hear that she plays well; beautifully in fact, with sensitivity and a good ear. It takes a lot of practice--and I mean a lot--to be a good chamber music player. First there is the sheer mastery of your own individual instrument. And then there is learning your unique part. Only after that comes listening, looking, feeling, sensing the subtle, but powerful nuances of rhythm, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, the breath... It is such an organism, a chamber music group and the piece of music being played. By its very nature, chamber music playing requires give and take, listening, compassion, courage, intuition and hard work.

There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Rice is intelligent, talented and a very hard worker. But how is it possible to hear the pathos of a Beethoven piano trio, the depths of despair and longing, the agony of dissonance, and warm comfort in the resolution of that final chord--without also hearing the screams of civilians bombed, and feeling the terror of families made homeless by GI'S following the orders from her generals "to bomb".

I know, she didn't actually say "bomb" those people, but that is my point. Anyone who appreciates chamber music and especially those who play it, gets how the theme has variations, and that it can sneak in at the most unexpected moments, and that it gets traded off by different members of the group, in each of their solos and duets. In other words, every member of the group is responsible for the outcome, and each voice is integral to the entire system.

If Condoleeza Rice only got that her voice, like her piano, is integral to the system, and any change in one part, automatically affects the other parts and can lead to a completely different outcome...

Which brings me back to the chamber music effect. I say, put down your arms, and pick up your cellos. Even a scratchy, untrained string player sounds way sweeter to me than a gunshot.

And then it's only a beginning, not an end.

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Rainforest Birds - Java Rice Bird

Bird Name:

Java Rice Bird

Latin Name:

Padda oryzivora

Status:

Vulnerable

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Estrildidae

Genus: Padda

Species: P. oryzivora

General Information:

The Java Rice Bird is also known as the Javan Finch, the Paddy Bird, the Paradise Sparrow, the Java Sparrow, and the Rice Munia. Due to habitat loss and hunting and trapping for food and the caged bird trade, this finch has become uncommon within its native range.

Physical Description:

It is about 5.5 inches in length and weighs around 20 g. Its head, rump, and tail are black, and its back, wings, and chest are gray. The cheeks are white, and its beak, legs, and eye rings are pinkish to red in color. The sexes are similar in appearance, although the male's beak is slightly larger and its eye rings may be a bit deeper and redder. Juveniles are dull gray in color with blackish beaks. Several color mutations of this bird exist, including white, cream, and fawn.

Diet:

It mainly feeds on rice when available, but being omnivorous, it also eats other seeds, grains, fruits, insects, and even bamboo shoots.

Habitat:

The Java Rice Bird occurs on grasslands and open woodlands, and has also become accustomed to habiting in cultivated areas and along human settlement. Due to its affinity towards occupying, and subsequently feeding off of, rice paddies, this bird has become a pest creature in the eyes of many. It is a resident breeder in Java, Bali, and Bawean in Indonesia. It is known to nest in trees or buildings.

Reproduction:

Breeding season coincides with the rice crop harvest. The female usually lays 4 - 6 eggs per clutch. Both parents incubate the eggs, but only the female incubates them at night. Incubation lasts about 14 days, and fledging occurs approximately 21 - 30 day after hatching.

Author Tony Mandarich has a passion for birds. If your looking for affordable bird cages cheap, or for decor in your home you may want to look at some decorative bird cages. Tony also recommends acrylic bird cages for best visual viewing of your birds.

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Look Stunning in Rice Pearl Necklaces

Pearls have been the queen of jewelry for centuries. Pearl jewelry has been, is and will always be a part of every woman's jewelry collection. Pearls accessorize any outfit and are ideal for any occasion.

Pearl jewelry can be worn with formal outfits, casuals, picnic wear, beach wear, party wear, weddings, etc. There is no end to the list. Pearls are so versatile that they can be worn by children, teens, young women and older women. Pearl jewelry adds charm and elegance to the wearer.

There are a variety of sizes, shapes and colors of pearls available today. While pearls can be natural they can be cultured too. Freshwater pearls are popular choice for many. Rice pearls are the variety of pearls which are rice or oval shaped. They are strung together with a hole made through their centre.

Rice pearls are available in different shades. They can therefore be matched to any color dress. Our range of rice pearls are strung together by our expert craftsmen and clasped with 14k yellow gold.

Rice pearl necklaces can be custom made to any size. These necklaces can be single, double, triple or even four strands depending on the customer's preference. Since the size of rice pearls are usually small, rice pearl necklaces in three or four strands will look elegant.

Different color pearls can also be combined to make these necklaces which can be matched or contrasted to a variety of outfits. Choose the right shade of rice pearl necklace and add this precious jewelry to your valuable collection of pearls.

Rice pearl necklaces can add color and grandeur to your outfits. Go on. Choose from a wide range of rice pearl necklaces available with us or give us your own ideals to enable us to create wonderful necklaces to your satisfaction.

Rice pearls: http://www.orientalpearls.net/Rice_or_Oval_Pearls.html

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Italian Risotto Rice Dish - What Makes It So Delightful

Risotto is a rice dish originating from Italy, particularly the Northern Italian region. It is a very popular food made by sautéing the rice in olive oil, onion, garlic or whatever herbs the recipe calls for then adding ladles of simmering stock at a time while constantly stirring, until the rice absorbs the stock. Cooking or "toasting" the rice in hot oil or butter is essential to help the rice absorb liquid more easily producing a tender but not mushy rice dish. It usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes to cook a risotto.

The secret to a perfect risotto lies in using Arborio rice, which is a short grain variety capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid while keeping its shape. The starchy rice when combined with the stock during cooking creates a wonderful sauce giving risotto its nice and creamy appearance. Along with its basic ingredients oil, onion starchy rice, hot stock and cheese, a risotto can be made using many kinds of vegetables and legumes, meat, poultry, seafood, fish and any type of wine and cheese. You can even include fruits of your taste.

Aside from Arborio rice, other Italian short-grain varieties are Vialone Nano, Carnaroli and Baldo. Short-grain rice is starchy which Italians find the most perfect rice for risotto. When cooking a traditional risotto, it is best to use a cast iron heavy-bottomed pan or skillet. Cast iron works better by transferring even the lowest heat to the food extremely well and the even distribution of heat during slow cooking helps starch release from the rice producing marvelous results.

A traditional Italian risotto dish is completely satisfying. It can be simple or complex. If you're in Italy, you will experience the many versions of full-flavored risottos from all-vegetable to fish to meat and poultry to mouth-watering cheese risottos. This creamy Italian rice dish is a versatile food. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish and you can use leftover risottos to make a new dish like rice cakes and fried rice balls or simply use it to thicken soups or broth.

Although Risotto is easy to prepare, the first time you make it may not be the best. It may take some time to learn but once you've mastered the technique, it would be easy to make your own risotto dishes for all occasions. Here is a traditional Italian Vegetable Risotto recipe that you could start with.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini
• 10-ounce pumpkin or squash wedge
• 1 beefsteak tomato
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 large onion
• 4 cups hot stock (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup risotto rice
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry wine (or any wine)
• 4 canned artichoke hearts, drained
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley

Directions

Trim zucchini and cut into small cubes. Peel pumpkin or squash, remove seeds and cut into cubes. Cover tomato with boiling water for 30 seconds then plunge into cold water. Peel away skin, remove seeds and cut into fourths. Peel onion and garlic and slice finely. Bring stock or broth to boil then simmer. In a large heavy-based skillet, heat the oil and slightly sauté the onions. Add the risotto rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the garlic then the sherry wine. Gradually add stock in small batches, stirring over low to medium heat until every batch of liquid has been absorbed. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to cook.

Add remaining stock along with the zucchini and squash and cook for 10 minutes more, stirring constantly. Cut artichoke hearts into fourths and add into risotto, Season with salt and pepper then transfer to warm soup bowls. Sprinkle each with tiny-chopped tomato and garnish with parsley leaves.

Bon Appétit!

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Terry Retter
Managing Editor, Chef Wannabee.com

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Thai / Lao Spring Rolls Made with Rice Paper

The Thai / Lao Spring Rolls are easy to make and healthy because they are not deep fried. You can fill the rice paper with any ingredients you wish.

Spring Roll Basic Instructions:

1. Place a damp cloth over a flat surface.

2. Submerge a rice paper into hot water for less than 4 seconds.

3. Place the rice paper over the damp cloth.

4. Place fillings onto rice paper and arrange neatly.

5. Roll the rice paper tightly while tucking in vegetables.

6. Fold in the sides and finish rolling.

7. The rice paper should complete two rotations.

lf the spring rolls are made in advance of serving, place the damp cloth over the spring rolls to keep the rice paper moist.

Spring Roll Dipping Sauce:

Because this sauce is so good, you'll want to double dip. Therefore, each person must have his own spring roll dipping sauce sprinkled with crushed toasted peanuts.

Spring Roll Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup rice vinegar or fresh squeezed lime

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup fish sauce

1 garlic clove minced

1 teaspoon dried crushed chilies

In a sauce pan, heat the water and vinegar to dissolve the sugar. Once sugar is dissolved, add garlic, chilies and fish sauce. Once cooled, this sauce can be stored in the refrigerator.

Toasting Peanuts:

I like to purchase whole roasted peanuts where I have to individually remove the shell and membrane. Do not roast salted peanuts--it removes the authenticity. Always garnish with crushed toasted peanuts.

Toasting Peanuts Instructions:

Toast unsalted peanuts in a shallow pan over medium heat. Shake the pan or stir the peanuts often to toast peanuts evenly. Stop toasting when 75% of the peanut surface is dark. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the peanuts into broken pieces. Sprinkle the crushed toasted peanuts over the Spring Roll Dipping Sauce before serving dipping sauce with the rice paper spring rolls.

At http://www.thai-laos-food.blogspot.com, there is a free video where you can see how to roll a spring roll.

Manivan Larprom, a Thai / Lao girl, teaches you how to cook Thai / Lao food with her home made videos at http://www.thai-laos-food.blogspot.com

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All About Arborio Rice

Arborio rice, a short grained rice, gets its unique name from a small town in northern Italy and is one of the starchiest of all types of rice. Both white and brown varieties of Arborio rice are available and because of its great starchiness, it is used as the primary ingredient for making creamy risotto.

Although once grown exclusively in Italy, Arborio rice can be found growing in the US and you will find imported and domestic varieties widely available.

Some ideas for making delicious dinners with Arborio rice include basic risotto, risotto with vegetables such as mushrooms and onions. Leftover Arborio can be added to a variety of dishes for adding flavor, bulk, and texture. Stir the cooked rice in with cooked chicken or turkey and mix in your favorite cheese, vegetables, and seasonings for a filling and simple meal.

Along with poultry, Arborio rice also pairs well with beef, fish, and vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, and peas. Arborio rice is a popular ingredient to use when making sushi.

Much like pasta, Arborio rice should be cooked to al dente consistency for the best results. It generally takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the rice to cook properly. You will know it is done when it is tender on the outside but firm in the center.

If you do not have any Arborio rice on hand, medium or short grain rice can be substituted in a pinch for a somewhat similar taste and texture in most recipes including risotto.

Chicken, Risotto, and Caramelized Onions Recipe

What You Need

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
4 cups hot chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

How to Make It

Heat half of the olive oil over medium heat in a medium sized saucepan. Add the chopped onions and saute for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are a dark golden brown color.

Remove the onions from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar and set aside.

Heat the other 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat in a separate, large pan. Add in the rice and stir to mix well. Heat the rice for 2 minutes then add in the wine.

Reduce the heat to medium low and begin slowly adding the broth 1 cup at a time. Once a cup of broth has been absorbed by the rice, add more until all is absorbed. Cook the mixture for about 20 minutes or until the rice is al dente.

Stir in the onion and vinegar mixture and allow it to heat through over low to medium heat. Remove from heat and then stir in the cooked chicken and the butter. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh thyme and serve the chicken, risotto, and caramelized onions immediately.

Serves 4.

Make extra fried chicken so you will have plenty for leftovers for lunch the following day. Serve chicken fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes made from buttermilk and chicken broth along with gravy, a vegetable or side salad for a complete and filling meal.

SouthernFriedChickenRecipe.com When it has to be Real Fried Chicken

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A Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Can Provide Healthy Rice Cooking While Keeping it Warm!

Many people steer clear of attempting to use a stainless steel rice cooker due to the tough challenge it seems to present. However once you decide to start using one to cook rice you will find it really helpful because not only is it cooked perfectly but you can keep it inside which is especially helpful if you have guests over!To successfully make an acceptable pot of rice, you must depend on a precisely correct ratio of water to rice, keeping the temperature high at the beginning and lowering it to simmer. Also, the reason you would specifically want a stainless steel version is because they will last a very long time and theirs no chance of rust being in contact with your food.

Although this may seem overwhelming, an automatic stainless steel rice cooker can make an otherwise difficult task much easier. They range in prices from affordable to the higher-quality expensive models, there is also alternatives for those who don't have the need or time to make a lot of rice.. "rice ball cookers." These minimal-proportion rice cookers are usually made of stainless steel or mesh and work much like a tea infuser - keeping the rice inside while the warm water circles through it until cooked. To break everything down, I will try to give the most simple explanation on how to use a stainless steel rice cooker easy and efficiently.

First open the cooker and make sure it is clean and ready for use, on the inside and outside. Measure out about 1 to 3 tablespoons of preferred cooking oil and pour it on a paper towel. Use the towel and wipe around the rice cooker to cover the entire surface, this is not always necessary but will help keep the rice from sticking to the steel. Fill up the cooker to about the half-way point in the vessel, no need for precise measurements but standard rice cookers hold about 2 cups - be sure not to overfill the cooker or else the rice will not have enough room to expand. Fill the cooker pot up with water and turn it on to bring the water to a boil. Next, you can put the vessel into the boiling water. Make sure the the chain is hanging outside of the pot so you won't have to pull it out of the boiling water when the rice is done cooking. Let the rice cook for whatever time you prefer, depending on what kind of rice you're using.

Generally, this takes anywhere from 14 to 20 minutes.. brown rice can take a bit longer. After the rice is completely cooked, remove the rice from the water using a potholder or towel - suspend it over the water pot and let the remaining water drain from the rice. Use your potholder to open the rice cooker and empty the rice out into a bowl or serving dish.. let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

For more information on a stainless steel rice cooker or how to get a proper stainless steel electric skillet follow my links!

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Rice Diet - Brown Rice Detox Recipes

Nowadays, people are getting more aware about the importance of maintaining their health. There are many things that people do in order to keep healthy such as exercising regularly, doing yoga or meditation, quitting smoking, reducing the consumption of alcohol, avoiding unhealthy foods, doing a detox program, going on a healthy diet and many more. For those who are overweight or with a serious health problem, doctors might suggest them to go on the Rice Diet. This diet is an excellent weight loss program; you can lose between 20 to 30 pounds in the first month, and 2.5 to 3.5 pounds per week in the later stages. The program consists of very low-calorie, high-complex carbohydrate, low-fat, low-sugar, low-sodium, low-protein diet that will help detoxify and treat chronic health problems. The diet plan requires the use of brown rice. Regular white rice contains a lot of sodium, sugar, and bad fats which are some of the major causes of weight gain and many diseases such as diabetes. On the other hand, brown rice is rich in fiber and healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Besides fiber and good fats, brown rice is also rich in iodine, potassium and essential minerals that are good for your body. It also helps detoxify your body and enhance your energy levels as well mental awareness. Furthermore, it can help you lose weight quickly. Most people do not like the taste of brown rice. However, you can easily turn them into delicious dishes by following easy brown rice detox recipes that can be found in various diet books or on the internet.

The detox program does not require you to consume only brown rice throughout the day. For breakfast, you are allowed to consume one serving of fruit, such as banana, apple, pear or citrus. For a wholesome breakfast, you can try the following rice porridge recipe. Combine ½ cup of brown rice, 1 cup of almond milk and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg powder in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Cover the pan and reduce the heat. Simmer for about 45 minutes and serve with walnuts, ground flaxseed and chopped Fuji apple.

For lunch and dinner, you must consume about 1 to 2 bowls of fresh vegetables in each meal. You can choose whatever vegetables you like, and they do not have to be the same every day. The following Brown Rice Pilaf is very easy to make. Chop 1 medium onion and 1 green pepper and sauté them in a large pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 ¼ cups of brown rice and 2 cloves of garlic; stir until the rice is lightly browned. Add 1 ½ cups of water, 1 cup of chicken broth, a pinch of dried thyme and a pinch of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender. This dish serves up to 6 people, and you can serve it with a side of green salad.

Going on rice diet is the best way to live a healthy life. Brown rice detox recipes will help you to maintain your rice diet program and bring back the healthy you.

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Cook The Eggs With Rice Cookers

Eggs are known for having a lot of nutrients to offer. Protein is very prominent in eggs. These proteins are vital in the build up and repair of the muscles of the body. You have to know that eggs are also economical to have. There are a lot of eggs that you will find in the market. Some of the famous ones are that of chicken and quail. These eggs can be boiled in pots or pans or fried. You have to realize that you can also cook eggs using the rice cooker that you have at home. The eggs come with the rice that you will cook. There are some tips that you have to keep in mind for you to have a guide in cooking the eggs. These will surely help you a lot.

The first thing that you need to do is to gather the materials that you will need for you to cook the eggs. Make sure that you have the equipment with you, rice, eggs and water. These are the basic things that you will need. You have to wash the eggs carefully before proceeding. It is very important for you to remember that the eggs will mix with rice. It is just right that you will clean it well to avoid any contamination.

Wash the rice that you will cook. Measure the rice that you will cook and the water that you will add. Put them together in the equipment. Turn the equipment on as soon as you are finished. Observe of the equipment is really functioning.

Try to observe the rice that you are cooking. You may put the eggs inside if the rice is half way done. The eggs can be cooked now. Push the eggs inside. Make sure that you have submerged at least 80% of the eggs body. This will ensure that the eggs will be cooked with the rice. It will just be enough for the eggs to be cooked with the rice.

After the rice has been cooked, try to make sure that you will allow the egg to stay in the equipment for 15 minutes. Leave it there first. You have to know that you need to cool down the egg after. Try to use running water so that you will not be burned. This will also prevent the egg white to stick with the shell.

The tips mentioned will surely help you a lot in cooking eggs in rice cooker. These will guide you well. You have to know that the tips mentioned are important as they can help you save a lot energy. Time can also be conserved. You have to remember the tips mentioned for you to have a guide. These will help you for sure.

You may also use Toaster and Egg Maker to cook eggs. A nice equipment that you can have is Princess Egg Boiler. It is such a helpful tool.

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Adzuki Beans and Roasted Vegetables With Brown Rice

I have been inexplicably excited to write about this dish for days now. I'm beginning to take for granted how often I eat incredibly delicious, nourishing food. So when I make something that compels me to audibly proclaim how good this food is, I appreciate anew the bliss of eating this well.

This dish was inspired by a recipe from Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet, but I completely revamped it the second time I made it. The original dish is an adzuki bean stew with kabocha squash, seasoned only with a touch of soy sauce and some parsley. When I first prepared this recipe, I liked it, but only because it made me feel virtuous for eating something so healthy, even if it didn't taste amazing. Adzuki bean stew is a very traditional macrobiotic dish focusing on whole foods without a lot of seasoning. As Alicia describes it, in the macrobiotic diet, "Herbs and spices are used in moderation: Spices like cayenne and curries are powerful and have a strong effect on the body. If we want our bodies to come to a centered, relaxed place, it's important to use simple food - at least for a while. Many [macrobiotics] use herbs and spices here and there to create variety, but don't get into a habit of putting them in every dish. To the [macrobiotic] tongue, simple food tastes fantastic." I was skeptical when I read this, never having heard of any reputable study denigrating flavorful food; I was most definitely not converted after eating this dish.

Now for the good part. I rehabilitated this dish using good old fashioned aromatic flavorings, like onions and garlic, and a touch of salt and pepper. It was spectacular. Roasting the onion, carrot, garlic, and squash created a mellow warm flavor, beautifully grounded by the adzuki beans, and a fantastic brown rice medley. My first memory of this dish was one of uniform texture, and not a lot of flavor. But, now I remember it as warm, homey, and full of sweet, savory, and fresh goodness.

This dish also happens to be incredibly good for you. I don't have to expound on the merits of whole grains any more to you readers, but adzuki beans are new to this blog. Ounce for ounce, adzuki beans are one of the best foods you can put in your mouth. Like all beans, they are a great source of fiber, low in fat, and chock full of nutrients. Adzuki beans are a prominent part of many Eastern diets and contain high quantities of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc copper, manganese, and B vitamins. So, the next time your feeling culinarily adventurous, or just hungry, think of this dish!

1/2 cup dried adzuki beans
1 bay leaf
1 onion halved and sliced thinly
1 carrot halved and chopped roughly
2 cloves garlic peeled
1 acorn squash halved and sliced into 3/4" wide wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup brown rice*
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Place dried beans in a shallow dish. Cover with water 1" or 2" above the beans. Let sit overnight.

Place beans and the bay leaf in a small pot, and just cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until beans are tender. Remove bay leaf and set aside.

Heat oven to 375º. Place onions, carrot, garlic, and squash in a shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until tender. Remove the squash from the peel, and cut into medium chunks. Add the squash, carrots, onions, and garlic to the beans.

Bring vegetable stock to a boil in a medium pot. Add the rice and simmer for 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Combine the rice, beans, and vegetables. Add the cilantro, and taste for salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

* I used Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley, with long grain brown rice, black barley, and daikon radish seeds. Yum!

Colleen Boucher is the creator and writer of the blog Dinner Peace ( http://dinnerpeace.blogspot.com ). She is an evolving vegan eater, and recipe creator, health advocate, and wellness specialist. Dinner Peace is a blog for current vegans, vegetarians, and anyone interested in occasionally trying to go meatless, lose weight, or just get healthy.

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can be intimidating, and Dinner Peace was founded to combat that apprehension with numerous examples of delicious, plant based, healthful, compassionate, cruelty-free and animal-free dishes, ranging from breakfast to lunch to snacks, dinners, and desserts. The vegan lifestyle is also an effective tool for weight loss, or just to achieve your optimum level of health. If you are looking to make a positive change in your life, or just get a sense of the reality of a vegan diet, check out Dinner Peace!

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Spanish Recipe - Simple Recipe for Spanish Rice

Here's an easy to follow Spanish rice recipe for you to make delicious meal economically. You need just a little package of minute rice and a little bit of something else. It is enjoyable to make a rice meal according to a Spanish recipe. Follow the recipe and you can also add some vegetables or meats as you like.

Ingredients:
Minute rice (2/3 cup)
Chicken Soup (2/3 cup)
Onion (2 teaspoon chopped)
Green pepper (1/4 cup chopped)
Water (2 teaspoons)
Garlic (1/8 tablespoon)
Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Tomato (1/2 cup, fresh and chopped )
Pepper (1/8 tablespoon)
Chili powder (1/8 tablespoon)

Method:

Once you get ready the rice package, follow the instructions below to do it and enjoy its easiness. Remember it's better to use chicken soup instead of water, for it adds much more flavor to the Spanish rice. Put it aside as soon as it's done. Continue to cook the rest, you should take a large skillet and salt in this green peppers, onion, celery and garlic, season them all until they are tender. Finally, before all is almost done, add tomatoes, salt and chili powder, pepper and rice. Keep all in a frying pan heat for a few minutes and enjoy as it is quite clear. Serve a child with salad or the flesh.

This Particular Spanish recipe for rice will truly cause you to be desperate to try out it. It is rather quick and it's also simple, also you need to know that's very great tasting. Keep an end browse such steps ahead and stay able to indulge in this particular rice at your residence your dinnertime.

Go to Spanish Recipe for more healthy recipes.

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Fried Rice Recipe Ideas

Fried rice is a popular dish in most countries around the world. In America, the dish can be found at any Chinese-American restaurant or on tables in many homes. Cooking this dish is a wonderful way to use up leftover rice and spice up a humdrum dinner. Fried rice can be made with vegetables and served as a side dish or with the addition of meat, poultry or seafood, fried rice can be a meal by itself.

The basic ingredients in the dish are pre-cooked white, long-grain rice, scallions and egg. The wok is pre-heated, an oil with a high smoke point such as peanut, canola or grapeseed oil is added, and then the egg is fried until it is just soft. The egg is pushed outward up the side of the pan while the rice heats. To finish the dish, the egg, rice and scallions are stirred together until heated thoroughly. Soy sauce or oyster sauce can be added at the end, although some people believe that the rice should be seasoned with nothing more than salt.

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be made to suit any person's tastes by adding a few extra ingredients. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli and pea pods make a colorful, tasty side dish that go well with chicken main courses, while adding bean sprouts, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots makes a wonderful accompaniment to a beef meal. Garlic, onions and bell peppers also make a great tasting dish that complements just about any entrée.

Adding diced beef, pork, chicken, shrimp or prawns to fried rice creates another dimension to the dish. A popular Japanese dish is Omurice, or Omelette Rice. In Omurice, the dish is made with vegetables and meat, encased in an egg omelette and seasoned with ketchup. Yangchow or Yangzhou Rice is a Chinese dish named after the city that the dish is believed to have originated from. It mixes prawns, roast pork, peas and scallions, and is sometimes found in Chinese-American restaurants under the name of Special Rice.

Authentic recipes often include the flavors and ingredients indigenous to the area they are created in. For instance, Thai Fried Rice uses aromatic Jasmine rice instead of white rice and is generally served with cucumber slices and a spicy sauce made with fish sauce, Thai chili and garlic. Hawaiian Fried Rice combines egg, peas, carrot and green onions with either Spam or Portuguese sausage, or sometimes both. The best recipes incorporate the cook's favorite ingredients stir-fried in a seasoned wok to produce a splendor of flavors.

Fried rice is a perfect example of the classic method of flash cooking has influenced cuisines throughout the world. Check out our collection of delicious international dishes and find the right fried rice recipe.

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Don't Buy Red Yeast Rice Until You Read This Article

If you learned about a natural product that could help lower your cholesterol, wouldn't you want
to buy it? Of course you would. Well, guess what. There is such a product. Because of
government controls, however, you can't get this product anymore, at least not in its original
cholesterol lowering form. Why would the government do that, you may ask. Here's why.

Red yeast rice is a form of rice fermented using red yeast. The Chinese have used this rice for
years as a spice, food preservative and colorant, as well as a dietary supplement. For more than
1,000 years, these people have also used red yeast rice medicinally claiming it improved blood
circulation, and relieved indigestion and diarrhea.

Active Ingredients

More recently, scientists have found that one of the active ingredients naturally produced when
rice is fermented by red yeast is Monacolin K, or Lovastatin. For those of you not familiar,
Lovastatin is the generic equivalent of one of the statin drugs; a class of the strongest, most
effective cholesterol lowering prescription medications. Unlike prescription Lovastatin which
contains 10 mg or more of this active ingredient, red yeast rice contains less than 2.5 mg of the
cholesterol lowering medication per 600 mg capsule. Red yeast rice has been marketed as a
dietary supplement under the names Cholestin and HypoCol.

Until 1999, red yeast rice was readily available as a dietary supplement. However, it was in that
year that clinical studies confirmed the effectiveness of red yeast rice with Lovastatin as one of
its ingredients in lowering cholesterol. When the Food and Drug Administration caught wind
there was a dietary supplement being sold that included a prescription medicine, they decided to
pull the supplement from the market. They defended their decision by claiming that since the
supplement contained a drug that normally required a doctor's prescription; the red yeast rice
could not be sold over-the-counter in an unregulated form.

The Big Stick of the FDA

The FDA's decision met with some controversy and was actually overturned later that year by the
court of the District of Utah. In 2000, however, the FDA triumphed when the 10th U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals ruled that since red yeast rice does contain the prescription medicine
Lovastatin, even though it does occur naturally, it is subject to FDA rules.

After that time, most forms of red yeast rice disappeared from the shelves of pharmacies and
health food stores, in its original form anyway. You can still buy the supplement but because of
the FDA order red yeast rice is made using a different fermentation process which does not
produce Lovastatin.

So, that is the story of red yeast rice. Used by the Chinese for hundreds of years as a way to
increase blood circulation, federal government regulations forced vendors to clear this natural
supplement from their shelves. You can still buy red yeast rice, but don't expect it to have any
big effect on your blood pressure. To have the benefits of the cholesterol lowering ingredient of
red yeast rice, you must get a doctor's prescription.

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How Vietnamese Cultivate Wet Rice?

Some 70 per cent of Vietnam's population is engaged in agriculture, which uses over 20 per cent of the country's area and produces 15 per cent of its GDP. Vietnam has two huge deltas: the Mekong in the south and the Red River in the north.

From time immemorial the Vietnamese have known how to build dykes and avoid flooding, creating more land for wet -rice cultivation. Thousands of kilometres of dykes have been built along the Red River to protect this vast fertile delta and its population. Recently my friend Huong Do and I visited her uncle, who is a farmer in Hai Duong province in the very heart of the Red River delta. The host, Mr. Hien, was very enthusiastic about showing us rural life.

Generally they cultivate two types, sticky rice and ordinary rice. The first is used for special events and ceremonies such as Tet ( lunar New Year) and weddings. Talking about wet-rice-cultivation, Mr. Hien recites a Vietnamese proverb:'Nhat nuoc, nhi phan, tam can, tu giong'. This translates as 'First one needs water,then manure,then diligence, and finally high quality seed'. 'In the north we have two rice crops and one subsidiary one, according to the weather', he said. The winter -spring crop begins in the 12th lunar month and finishes in the fourth. The summer -autumn one lasts from the sixth to the 10th lunar month. After these crops there is time for the land to heal and we plant maize,taro, potato and sweet potato'.

To Start a crop we have to prepare the land. We empty the water from each field. Then we plough deep and rake it carefully with the help of the buffalo. The buffalo is well cared for and respected in the same way that many foreigners care about dogs'. There are three things that are critical to every Vietnamese farmer's life: purchasing a buffalo, getting married and building a house. 'In order to prepare the land we put down fertiliser, either natural or chemical.water is constantly needed too'.'Different varieties of rice are very important. Normally we select the best species from previous crops, using techniques passed down through generations.

"In order to germinate it we put the paddy in a jute sack and soack it in water for 24 hours. We then take it out of the water and arrange it in a dark, damp place to facilitate germination. After 12 hours we repeat the process. In cool winter weather straw ash is mixed with the paddy in order to keep it warm.when the roots reach two to three centimetres you can sow rice in a small prepared area. During this period the young rice plants need water, but not too much. After one month you pick the young shoots and transplant the rice seedling to another field.

'Working the fields requires diligence, During the three- and-a- half months of rice development you have to constandy watch your field! You need to pull out any weeds growing with the rice. This work is normally reserved for women. There has to be water in time for each period of development of the rice'. The ethnic minorities in mountainous areas practice wte- rice-cultivation on terraces.

It is not until you actually take off your shoes, roll up your trousers and muck in that you really appreciate the skill and energy required to harvest rice. As Mr Hien says,'when the rice is mature the whole family has to work. We cut the rice with sickles and bring it home by ox cart. Fortunately, machines are now used for separating the paddy and straw. Last year we had a big harvest. This year we have had to work very hard due to floods'.

With a trace of sadness Hien adds that the farmer's life is till difficult. 'We depend on rice but if the price is too low there is no profit. The government should pay more attention to our life, to build processing zones for agricultural products and find markets for us'.

Famers in the south harvest three crops a year and the wet-rice-cultivation technique is also different.

Pham Ha is the founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Co., Ltd (http://luxurytravelvietnam.com)

26 Dong Khoi Street, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City
5 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi, Vientam.
Website: http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com

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Rice Wine, Barley Wine and Pinot Noir

Rice wine is a wine famously known as sake. This is a Japanese alcoholic beverage. Rice wine is made by fermenting naturally sweet grapes, in addition to other fruits. Rice starch is fermented to make rice wine. The fermentation turns the rice starch into sugars. This process is very similar to the process used to make beer except a mashing process takes place.

There are many different types of rice wine. These types include Tuak from Malaysia, Raksi from Tibet, Lihing from Sabah, and much more. Korea also makes an unfiltered rice wine that is known as snake wine.

Barley Wine

Barley wine originated in the 19th century. It actually came from the 18th century ales brewed in October and November. This is a terminology used but it is actually a beer. However, this is as strong as wine but often misconstrued as a wine because of the name.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir comes from the variety of species of grapes known as the Vitis vinifera. These grapes are primarily for red wine. The name is French and means 'pine' and 'black'. This refers to the tightly clustered pine cone shaped, purple colored fruit. These grapes are most commonly known as coming from Burgundy France.

These grapes are difficult to cultivate but are known to produce the finest wines in the world. This wine is also considered to be one of the most romantic wines in the world also. Pinot wine tends to have a light to medium body with an aroma that might remind you of black cherries, raspberries, or currants. When the grapes are used young the wine is often much lighter than other red wines. Pinot Noir is also used with Chardonnay.

Many of the places around the world known for producing Pinot Noir include the United States, Italy, Australia, Austria, Moldova, new Zealand, Canada, England, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Spain. There are California wine regions in the United States known for producing Pinot Noir which include the Sonoma Coast, Monterey County, Carneros District of Napa and Sonoma, and San Luis Obispo County / Arroyo Grande Valley.

Scott Wells writes for http://MakeChristmasCrafts.com where you can learn to Make Christmas Crafts just in time for the holiday season.

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The Best Microwave Rice Cookers

Even rice can be cooked using a microwave nowadays. A microwavable container specifically for rice is now being sold and gaining popularity. The microwave rice cooker consists of three parts: an outer bowl, a fitted lid with steam vents and an inner bowl in a finely perforated base.

There are four factors to consider when buying this type of rice cooker:

1. Affordability - Ask yourself this question: How much is my budget for this particular item? Is the price of the rice cooker within my budget? Remember that better the brand, the higher will be the price and the least the cost, the lesser it lasts.

2. Easy to use - Many homebodies would opt for a kitchen gadget that is easy to use. Nobody likes a utensil which has a lot of buttons to press or a lot of wires to connect. A microwave rice cooker is always accompanied by a written instruction; you just have to follow it faithfully.

3. Easy to clean - Since you always wash your cooking paraphernalia after each use, you would naturally choose one that is easy to wash. You would prefer a microwave rice cooker that is washed simply by using soap and warm water and is dish washer-friendly.

4. Healthy - A microwave rice cooker that cooks rice and other food that can retain much of its nutritional value is an ideal buy. Its material must be non-resistant to rust and corrosion and must not react to acidic and other food.

The following brands are considered the best:

* Sanyo - ECJ -D55S -There is no problem in cooking rice; it is easy to use and easy to clean. (5.5 cups) $101.00
* Krups FDH2 - It is easy to use and clean and has a warming function. It has a non-stick pot. (10 cups) $90.00.
* Black Decker HS2776 - It is easy to use and clean. Durable quality. (7 cups) $37.00
* Zojirush NS TGCIO - It has the same features as the others. (5.5 cups) $154.00.
* Renal RC 61 -It is easy to use and has warming function. $17.00.
* Oster 5711 - It has the same features as the others. (10 cups) $32.00.
* Miracle ME81 - It has a warming function. $72.00.
* Sanyo ECJ-HC55S - It is easy to use with a warming function. (5.5 cups) $115.00.

You can view these products with complete information online.

Weenie Rifareal is an Asian homebased online worker dealing with SEO, internet marketing and article writing. Asians are basically rice eaters and cooking rice is more convenient with this type of cooker. To read more of this topic go to http://www.microwavericecookers.com

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Rice Cookers - Make Good Use Of Yours

Do you have one of those rice cookers that you've stashed away and in fact, it is now hiding in a dusty cabinet? You do? Right then, it's time to take hold of it, put it on the countertop and start doing some absolutely incredible rice based meals.

First of all, don't allow the name "rice cooker" fool you. Whatever you have is essentially a huge (depending on the volume you have chosen) machine. What this means is virtually any dish that requires wet cooking will do wonderful in a grain cooker. If you love cooking food and having Middle Eastern or Caribbean or ethnic ingredients, it is the perfect way to help whip up a number of really tasty meals using chicken, sea food, steamed vegetable facet dishes and poached super fruit puddings. They're great ideas regarding putting your unit to work, along with making soups in addition to hearty stews.

With beef that has recently been browned, just add veggies with herbs, wine beverages and tomatoes, give it enough time as well as liqui. It will provide a delicious very long-simmered recipe and you are not going to have to worry about incredibly hot or a boiling stove. How's that to get a busy cook's closest friend. It's like having your very own chef cooking available for you while you carry out other things!

Are you aware how long cooking bean meals take? Use your oven to make softer pinto beans with regard to your personal handmade refried bean food. Take a piece of fish, season it in addition to wrap it inside a foil pouch as well as steam it. Delicious so healthy for you.

For those who have a steam plate you could make long-grained wild rice concurrently and presto, all of your dinner is all set at one time. Think about spaghetti? Just cover your pasta by 50 % and allow your rice cooker accomplish it's thing! Are you able to see? The possibilities are usually virtually endless!

Consequently, if you don't have any rice cooker or maybe are looking to invest in a new one or possibly larger one, the advice would be to search for the best rates, especially if you make an online purchase. There are countless companies and many models, but common viewpoint is the Japanese brand of rice cookers like Panasonic, Hitachi, Sanyo and a brand called Zojirushi - work most effectively as rice cookers, BUT, they may be expensive.

Undertake some research,make your purchase and then get preparing!

A Panasonic Rice Cooker is one of the better brands we review over at Rice Cooker Ratings. Visit today to find out more on rice cookers.

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Automatic Rice Cooker - Every Last Thing You Should Know About Rice Cookers

Automatic rice cookers are kitchen appliances that you utilize for cooking rice. However, lately, these can be used not only to prepare rice but for cooking different recipes as well. Basically, it works by preparing the rice through the usage of the heating element which is placed at the bottom of the pan. A lid is placed on the top of the pan to hold in the steam.

This kind of kitchen appliance also has a thermostat that lowers down the temperature once the cooking is done. When getting an automatic rice cooker, it is essential to know the following features.

Type

There are two kinds which include the cool-touch and the pot rice cookers. It is important to acknowledge the differences between the two as both work differently to present the same effect in preparing perfect rice.

· Cool-touch: This is made to insulate the inside of the pot. This makes the outside portion cool to the touch. It has a hinge lid that keeps in steam and only has a conservative capacity when cooking rice.

· Pot rice: This is the usual type that uses a pot and a lid with a hole which lets the steam out. This is the kind that is usually more used in traditional kitchens.

Capacity

Most rice cookers provide various capacities and features. If you choose to cook for many individuals, it is important that you select a one that can make rice in different capacities.

Other Features

You can also choose automated ones that have a clear lids to determine whether the rice is done already. It is also important to select one that has the automatic warmer. Some of these appliances are actually a set of pieces that makes it usable for other types of cooking. For example, some of them can also be used as steamers for steaming other food. These features can only be found among the best electric rice cookers.

For more information on about the subject go to rice cooker reviews at beststainlesssteelricecooker.com. You'll find great information on related category.

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Sausage Spanish Rice Recipe

Rice it is a very good company to every kind of meat and when you don't have much time to cook a lot then add simple sausages and you have something else to serve, take advantage of this suggestion and learn how to cook it by following these simple instructions. You will not regret it.

You will need:

Pork sausage (1 pound, bulk)
Onion (1 medium, chopped)
Celery (1 cup, chopped)
Tomatoes (1 can or 28 ounce, undrained)
Water (2 1/2 cups)
Rice (long grain, uncooked, 1 ¼ cups)
Chili sauce (1/2 cup)
Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cup and shredeed)

How to make this dish:

First take a large skillet and in here cook the onion, the celery and the sausage, do this at medium heat until the sausage turns a little brow, but no dot let it burn, you have to make sure the vegetables are also tender and then you can drain the excess of fat and be ready to add the tomatoes, water, rice and chili sauce. Once you have everything in the skillet leave it to cook for about 30 minutes but be sure before you do it to have lower the fire and have a medium- low flame. After the 30 minutes the rice will be tender and it will be ready to remove. Once you have this done remove from the heat and sprinkle the rice and sausages with cheese. Let the cheese melt and after a few minutes it is ready to serve.

If you would like to get more information on Spanish Rice or similar recipes, please visit our site at Spanish Rice Recipes

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Rice Cakes and Weight Loss

If you are dieting you may want to reconsider rice cakes and how they may effect your diet efforts. Successful dieting requires you to cut back on calorie consumption and eliminate bad food choices from your everyday diet. Stepping up the amount of exercise you are currently getting will help speed weight loss along. Junk foods are the dieting enemy for anyone wishing to lose weight.

Most people assume cakes made of rice are a great choice for those on a diet. These cakes are low in calories and easy to grab for those on the go. You would think rice cakes would be the perfect diet snack food, right?

When dieting there are more things to consider than just calories. Yes eating cakes made out of rice for a snack will be a low calorie choice but if you are wanting to burn fat and at the same time build up muscles then rice cakes aren't necessarily a good dieting choice for your muscles.

Rice type cakes are made up of rice and if you have ever had one of these tasty cakes then you know how they can be addicting, one never seems to be enough, these cakes can in fact make you feel more hungry. Rice cakes are not filling therefore most people do not feel satisfied or full after eating one.

So what's the perfect snack for those on a diet? Generally it's best to go with a low fat lean meat. Meat will make you feel fuller and by choosing a low fat or lean meat you won't be consuming a lot of calories. I'm not recommending a low carb diet because your body does need carbohydrates. Carbs are necessary for energy. After an intense workout is the best time to eat a rice cake if you are feeling a little hungry but these cakes should not be a daily snack or something you reach for whenever hunger strikes.

Simply avoiding rice cakes can help you speed up your weight loss efforts and get you looking and feeling lean.

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